A-Rod Apologizes to New York Yankees Organization For Suspension, Drama

The first steps of contrition appear to be in place for Alex Rodriguez, as the slugger seeks to reconcile with the New York Yankees after a season-long suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Performance Enhancing Drugs policy. Rodriguez met Tuesday with the Yankees to apologize to the club, according to a joint statement.

“Alex initiated the meeting and apologized to the organization for his actions over the past several years,” the statement read. “There was an honest and frank discussion on all of the issues. As far as the Yankees are concerned, the next step is to play baseball in spring training.”

The controversial Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season following baseball’s investigation into Florida’s Biogenesis clinic. The investigation found Rodriguez illegally obtained PEDs from the clinic run by Anthony Bosch.

Rodriguez had previously attempted to apologize to the organization but was denied, according to a Jan. 24 New York Post report. The report said Rodriguez had many fences to mend after practicing “scorched-earth” tactics against the league, Yankees and media to fight his suspension. He later admitted to federal agents he had used steroids.

The three-time MVP had perhaps his worst year on record before the suspension. Rodriguez hit just .244 with seven home runs and 19 RBI in 44 games in 2013.

Rodriguez has been among the most polarizing players in baseball in the past 12 years. The 39-year-old is fifth on the all-time home run list (654), but will forever be linked to using PEDs. He is just six home runs shy of tying Willie Mays for No. 4 on the list.